Westfield, New Jersey, is one of those towns that seems designed for family outings. Its walkable downtown is filled with restaurants, bakeries, bookstores, and local shops, while nearby parks provide plenty of room for kids to run and play. The streets are lively, the storefronts are charming, and there is enough variety to keep families busy for an afternoon or an entire day.
One of the best ways to enjoy Westfield is to build your own family adventure. Start the morning with coffee and pastries from Boxwood Coffee, then let the kids burn off some energy at Mindowaskin Park before settling in on the lawn for a free summer concert. Another option is to grab lunch at Ferraro’s, spend some time at Westfield Memorial Pool, and then challenge the family to classic arcade games at Yestercades.
Beyond the parks and restaurants, families can browse the children’s section at The Town Book Store, stop by the farmers market, and treat themselves to something sweet at The Chocolate Bar. However you choose to spend the day, Westfield makes it easy to combine great food, outdoor fun, and family-friendly activities into one memorable outing.
Read on for 19 things to do with kids in Westfield, New Jersey, and find more local New Jersey towns to explore in our New Jersey Neighborhood Guide.
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My Favorite Five Family-Friendly Spots in Westfield
- Ferraro’s: A classic, family-friendly, Italian restaurant
- Mindowaskin Park: Beautiful playground, duck pond, and summer concerts
- Town Book Store: A cozy independent bookstore with a great children’s section
- Westfield Memorial Pool: One of the best summer destinations in Union County
- The Chocolate Bar: A sweet shop known for decadent desserts, milkshakes, and ice cream treats
The Town Book Store caters to all ages with a well-stocked children’s section. Photo courtesy of The Town Bookstore via Instagram
Best Things To Do in Westfield, New Jersey, with Kids
1. Town Book Store
A visit to The Town Book Store is a wonderful way to slow down and spend an hour browsing. This independent bookstore has served Westfield since 1934 and features a well-stocked children’s section filled with picture books, chapter books, and young adult favorites. Friendly staff recommendations and frequent author events make it a destination worth seeking out.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
Insider Tips: Stop in after lunch downtown or before heading to Mindowaskin Park. The children’s section is located toward the back of the store and is easy to explore with younger readers.
2. Yestercades
Yestercades is a retro arcade packed with classic video games, pinball machines, and nostalgic favorites. Kids love discovering games from previous generations, while parents enjoy introducing them to the titles they played growing up. The all-day admission model means families can play as much as they like without constantly feeding machines with tokens.
Best for Ages: 6 and older
Time Needed: 1-3 hours
Insider Tips: Great for rainy days, hot summer afternoons, and birthday outings. Older kids and teens may not want to leave.
3. Westfield Memorial Pool
The Westfield Memorial Pool is one of the town’s most popular summer destinations. Families can spend an entire afternoon swimming, relaxing, and escaping the heat. With multiple pools, diving areas, and plenty of space to spread out, it’s easy to understand why so many local families return year after year.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 2-5 hours
Insider Tips: With a member, guest passes are $12. Without a member, guest passes are $45. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of towels. Summer weekends are especially popular.
4. Westfield Memorial Library
The Westfield Memorial Library offers much more than books. Families find story times, craft programs, summer reading activities, and special events throughout the year. It’s a welcoming space where kids can learn, play, and discover new interests.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Insider Tips: Check the event calendar before your visit. Many children’s programs require advance registration.
5. Westfield Farmers Market
The Westfield Farmers Market is a seasonal favorite that brings together local produce, baked goods, flowers, specialty foods, and handmade products. Find it on Thursday afternoons from June through mid-October. The lively atmosphere makes it feel like a community gathering as much as a shopping trip. Kids enjoy sampling treats while parents browse the vendor stands.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 45-90 minutes
Insider Tips: Arrive early for the best selection and shorter lines. Bring a reusable shopping bag.
6. Sweet Sounds Downtown
Throughout the summer on Tuesday evenings, musicians perform in various locations around downtown Westfield as part of the Sweet Sounds Downtown series. Live music fills the streets while families shop, dine, and explore local businesses. The performances add extra energy and charm to an already vibrant downtown district.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: Flexible
Insider Tips: Combine your visit with dinner, ice cream, or a stroll through downtown. Evening performances are especially popular.
The streets of Westfield come alive during the month-long AddamsFest in October. Photo courtesy of the Town of Westfield
7. AddamsFest
Westfield celebrates its connection to cartoonist Charles Addams with AddamsFest, a unique annual festival inspired by the creator of The Addams Family. Throughout the month of October, families can enjoy themed events, exhibits, entertainment, costume contests, and community activities. The festival offers a fun mix of spooky and family-friendly experiences that make it unlike any other event in New Jersey.
Best for Ages: 6 and older
Time Needed: 2-4 hours
Insider Tips: Many visitors come dressed in costume. Check the festival schedule ahead of time since events are spread throughout downtown and often take place over multiple days.
Fun Outdoor Places to Play in Westfield with Kids
8. Mindowaskin Park
Mindowaskin Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Westfield. Kids love the playground and the ducks that gather near the pond, while parents enjoy the gardens and walking paths. Throughout the summer, concerts and community events turn the park into one of the town’s most popular gathering places.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Insider Tips: Admission is FREE. The main trail loops around the lake and park for a half-mile path. Bring a blanket for summer concerts and arrive early for the best spots.
9. Tamaques Park
A short drive from downtown, Tamaques Park offers more than 100 acres of recreational space. Families find playgrounds, sports fields, walking paths, tennis courts, and plenty of room to spread out. It’s one of the best places in town for active kids who need space to run.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 1-3 hours
Insider Tips: Pack a picnic lunch and plan to spend a few hours exploring.
10. Brightwood Park
Brightwood Park feels a little more secluded than Westfield’s larger parks. The wooded trails and peaceful pond create a nice change of pace from the busy downtown area. Families looking for a quiet walk or a chance to spot birds and wildlife enjoy visiting.
Best for Ages: 5 and older
Time Needed: 45-90 minutes
Insider Tips: Bring binoculars if your kids enjoy nature and wildlife.
The town of Westfield is easily walkable and lined with charming businesses. Photo courtesy of the Downtown Westfield Corporation
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Westfield, New Jersey
11. Boxwood Coffee
Boxwood Coffee is a favorite gathering place for local families. Parents come for the coffee, while kids enjoy pastries and baked goods. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a nice place to recharge before continuing your day downtown.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
Insider Tips: Pick up coffee and pastries and walk over to Mindowaskin Park for a low-cost morning outing.
12. Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe
Part bakery and part café, Bovella’s is one of the sweetest stops in town. The pastry cases are filled with cookies, cakes, cannoli, and seasonal treats that immediately catch kids’ attention. It’s an easy place to stop for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
Insider Tips: Its gelato is especially popular during the summer months.
13. Ferraro’s
Ferraro’s is a longtime Westfield favorite for family dinners. The menu is filled with Italian classics, and the portions are generous enough to share. It’s the kind of restaurant where grandparents, parents, and kids can all find something they enjoy.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 1-1 1/2 hours
Insider Tips: Reservations are helpful on weekends. If you’re dining with a larger group, consider ordering family-style dishes to keep costs reasonable.
14. Di Farina Pizzeria
Di Farina Pizzeria is a casual downtown favorite serving New York-style pizza, pasta dishes, and kid-friendly Italian classics. Families appreciate the quick service, relaxed atmosphere, and menu options that appeal to both picky eaters and adventurous diners. Its convenient location makes it an easy stop before or after exploring downtown Westfield.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 45-75 minutes
Insider Tips: Order a pizza to share and save room for dessert downtown. Di Farina’s location makes it an easy addition to a day that includes The Town Book Store, Mindowaskin Park, or Yestercades.
15. Addams Tavern
Located in the center of downtown, Addams Tavern offers burgers, sandwiches, salads, and comfort food favorites in a lively atmosphere. The spacious dining room makes it a comfortable choice for families with older children and teens. Outdoor seating is especially enjoyable during the warmer months.
Best for Ages: 5 and older
Time Needed: 1-1 1/2 hours
Insider Tips: Visit during the summer and pair dinner with a stroll through downtown or one of the nearby parks.
16. Casa di Pizza
Every family town needs a dependable pizza place, and Casa di Pizza fills that role nicely. Kids love the classic slices, while adults can choose from pasta dishes, sanwiches, and salads. Service is fast, making it a great option when everyone is hungry after a day of activities.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 45 minutes
Insider Tips: Grab a few slices to go and enjoy a picnic at Mindowaskin Park.
17. Limani Seafood Grill
Limani offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring seafood, grilled dishes, and fresh ingredients. While it feels a bit more upscale than some family restaurants, older kids and teens appreciate the variety. The bright dining room and attentive service make it a pleasant choice for a special family meal.
Best for Ages: 8 and older
Time Needed: 1-1 1/2 hours
Insider Tips: Lunch is often quieter than dinner and can be a better value.
18. Spice Bazaar
Spice Bazaar is a great place to introduce kids to new flavors. The menu includes familiar favorites and more adventurous Indian dishes. Families who enjoy trying different cuisines will find plenty to explore here.
Best for Ages: 8 and older
Time Needed: 1 hour
Insider Tips: Order several dishes to share so everyone can sample something new.
19. The Chocolate Bar
Many family outings in Westfield end at The Chocolate Bar. The menu includes ice cream, specialty desserts, chocolate treats, and milkshakes that feel like a celebration. It’s a fun reward after a day of shopping, exploring, or visiting the parks.
Best for Ages: All ages
Time Needed: 20-45 minutes
Insider Tips: Stop by in the evening when downtown is busiest and full of energy.
FAQs for Visiting Westfield, New Jersey, with Kids
Is Westfield, New Jersey, a good destination for families with young children?
Yes, Westfield is a great destination with young kids, even babies and toddlers. East Broad Street is walkable and stroller-friendly.
What is parking like in Westfield, New Jersey?
Westfield, New Jersey, provides municipal lot and on-street metered parking, with payment accepted at multi-space pay stations, mPay2Park, or ParkMobile. Parking is FREE on Sundays and every evening after 6pm in all spaces.
What are the best free or low-cost activities for kids in Westfield, New Jersey?
Mindowaskin Park is completely FREE, resident or not. With the pond and playground, it is a great destination for families with babies to older kids. The summer concerts are FREE. Town Book Store and Yestercades are low-cost activities in town.
Does Westfield, New Jersey, have good dining options that specifically cater to families with kids?
Yes, there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in Westfield. Ferraro’s and Di Farina Pizzeria are great options.
